Tongabezi Lodge

A Romantic Hideaway on the Zambezi

Livingstone, Zambia is renowned for the impressive Victoria Falls. Over one mile wide, Victoria Falls is the most expansive curtain of water in the world and drops more than 328 feet into the sheer Zambezi Gorge. Located in the southwest corner of Zambia, these falls and the Zambezi River are the central points in an area of spectacular scenic beauty.
Tongabezi is a luxury lodge located on the banks of the Zambezi River, near Victoria Falls. Privately owned and operated, Tongabezi combines romance and exclusivity with warm and attentive service. The experienced staff maintains a smart, exclusive and distinctly Zambian feel throughout the lodge. Meals are first-class, served beside the river or on your private veranda. Additional common areas include a thatched riverside bar, spacious lounge area and a rock swimming pool under a tumbling waterfall.
With a total of 11 en-suite guest accommodations, all travelers’ needs are met. Each house and cottage has its own valet who takes care of guests throughout their stay and act as a private concierge. Tasteful furnishings with an elegant en-suite bathroom, as well as a private veranda, complete the accommodation.
There is no set pattern to days at Tongabezi. Guests can do as much or as little as they wish, with game drives, bush walks, canoeing, village visits and boating trips all included with the accommodation.
Additional activities are available at a supplemental cost. Please see information regarding Victoria Falls activities at the end of your descriptive itinerary.

Included:Accommodation, all meals, drinks, house wine (excluding premium wines, champagne, sparkling wines and liqueurs), serviceactivities available on normal rates: sunrise and sunset boat trip on the Zambezi, guided canoeing excursion depending on water levels and hippo activity, lunch on local island with guided walk, fishing (equipment provided), visit to the Victoria Falls on the Zambian Side (Falls entrance fees are extra), game drive in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National park (Park fees are extra), walk in the gorge below the Falls, cultural visit to the museum (Museum entrance is not included and subject to change), local village visit, mountain bike trail to local village, shopping trip on the Zambian side of the Falls, outdoor dining, laundry, park fees

Activities at this Accommodation

Canoeing Safari on the Upper Zambezi - Half Day

The Peaceful Safari

Probably the best way to appreciate the beauty, peace and wildlife of the Zambezi River above the falls is to paddle slowly downstream in a canoe with some of the best wildlife guides in Africa. Watch the pied kingfisher hover and dive, listen to the haunting call of the fish eagle and the grunts of the hippo, see elephant, buffalo, and other animals come down to drink and explore the islands and waterways along the route. There is time to stop for something to eat and drink and listen to tales of Livingstone’s journey to the falls. ...show less

Probably the best way to appreciate the beauty, peace and wildlife of the Zambezi River above the falls is to paddle slowly downstream in a canoe with some of the best wildlife guides in Africa. Watch the pied kingfisher hover and dive, listen to the haunting call of the fish eagle and the grunts of the hippo, see elephant, buffalo, and other...show more

Curios/Fine Art Shopping

David Livingstone Museum

One of the World's Great Explorers

The David Livingstone Museum houses the most comprehensive memorabilia of the explorer and missionary, Dr. David Livingstone. A guided tour offers an interesting sight into the life and work of one of the world’s great explorers. There are also very interesting displays on the Stone Age people who first lived in this area and an African cultural section that includes traditional living, medicines and witchcraft. ...show less

The David Livingstone Museum houses the most comprehensive memorabilia of the explorer and missionary, Dr. David Livingstone. A guided tour offers an interesting sight into the life and work of one of the world’s great explorers. There are also very interesting displays on the Stone Age people who first lived in this area and an African...show more

Ebenezer Orphanage Visit

Safaris Provide Local Benefits

Ebenezer Childcare Trust currently provides services to over 200 orphan and vulnerable children in Livingstone. Many of the children are victims of HIV/AIDS and are living with older grandmothers or very poor relatives, who are living below the poverty level and cannot find means to send them to school. Ebenezer Trust School has opened its doors to over 200 children in the year 2006 and there are scores of others knocking on the doors daily to register more children. The school gives everything free to the children - books, pens, pencils, text books, reading materials and even clothes. They also get a meal at the school provided by the World Food Program through Care International. This has changed the health conditions of the children, and because the meal is of a high level of nutritious value even their skins have changed from the way they looked earlier. ...show less

Ebenezer Childcare Trust currently provides services to over 200 orphan and vulnerable children in Livingstone. Many of the children are victims of HIV/AIDS and are living with older grandmothers or very poor relatives, who are living below the poverty level and cannot find means to send them to school. Ebenezer Trust School has opened its...show more

Make Some Big Friends

Fishing the Zambezi

Tigerfish, Tilapia and Catfish... Oh My.

You will be met at hotel reception for a Fish excursion on the Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls. This picturesque river is home to the legendary tigerfish as well as many other species of tilapia and varieties of catfish. Fishing is best during the summer months. If you are a fly fisherman please bring your own rod and flies. Includes soft drinks and water.
Minimum 2 passengers, fishing rods and tackle provided. Please note that a catch and release policy is encouraged.
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You will be met at hotel reception for a Fish excursion on the Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls. This picturesque river is home to the legendary tigerfish as well as many other species of tilapia and varieties of catfish. Fishing is best during the summer months. If you are a fly fisherman please bring your own rod and flies. Includes...show more

Guided Tour of the Falls, Zambia

The Best of Victoria Falls

To discover how the Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them it is well worth taking a guided tour. These tours are extremely informative and end with a visit to the local art and crafts center. This tour is conducted from the Zambian side of the Zambezi River and last for approximately one hour 30 minutes.
A Bushtracks Africa guide will meet guests at the Day Activity Center for a short walk to the Falls. Tours may be booked in the morning or afternoon and times are flexible. ...show less

To discover how the Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them it is well worth taking a guided tour. These tours are extremely informative and end with a visit to the local art and crafts center. This tour is conducted from the Zambian side of the Zambezi River and last for approximately one hour 30 minutes.
A...show more

An Unparalleled Riding Experience

Livingstone Island Morning Breezer

An Up-Close Visit with Victoria Falls

You will be picked up at the jetty adjacent to the Royal Livingstone River Deck by an aluminum 12 seat launch with twin water jet propelled engines for a five minute ride to the island.
Dr. David Livingstone was paddled in a dug -out canoe through swift rapids towards the roar and rising cloud of mist suspended above a cliff over which the whole of the Zambezi River plunged. The Makololo paddlers skillfully landed him on Goat Island (now Livingstone Island) right on the lip of the chasm. A few steps through the small rainforest and, on the 16th November 1855, he gazed upon one of the most spectacular sights in the world – “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” (The Smoke that Thunders) which he named after his Queen as The Victoria Falls.
Today visitors are picked up in a twin engine boat with powerful motors and a skilled skipper re-traces Livingstone’s approach to the island to witness the very best view of the Falls.
After the tour you will be returned to the Royal Livingstone jetty. ...show less

You will be picked up at the jetty adjacent to the Royal Livingstone River Deck by an aluminum 12 seat launch with twin water jet propelled engines for a five minute ride to the island.
Dr. David Livingstone was paddled in a dug -out canoe through swift rapids towards the roar and rising cloud of mist suspended above a cliff over which...show more

Microlight Flight

A Unique Way to See the Falls

To put the Victoria Falls into true perspective, they must really be seen from the air. The sheer size and grandeur of the spectacle becomes all the more clearer from above. The huge Zambezi River flowing slowly south with Hippos and Crocodiles clearly visible in the shallow waters, Elephant quietly browsing on bright green islands as the water spreads across the full width of a great rent in the earth before crashing over the lip in a burst of spray and then squeezing into a narrow, foaming, blast of water rushing down the zigzag funnel of the gorges. ...show less

To put the Victoria Falls into true perspective, they must really be seen from the air. The sheer size and grandeur of the spectacle becomes all the more clearer from above. The huge Zambezi River flowing slowly south with Hippos and Crocodiles clearly visible in the shallow waters, Elephant quietly browsing on bright green islands as the...show more

Mists of Time Tour

A Fascinating Guided Tour of Livingstone History

This is a half day African Heritage Private Tour that focuses on Africa’s Historical and Cultural legacy. You will be met by raconteur Russell Gammon, a specialist guide with 20 years of experience. Russell’s family has been living in Africa since 1870 and he is a specialist in the field of African Heritage as well as being a master storyteller.
This half day tour will include a visit to the Victoria Falls as well as a visit to the nearby African Village where you will be shown around by the local residents. Along the way Russell will regale you with stories of earlier explorers, indigenous people, adventurers, missionaries and other colorful characters that have passed this way in time. His unique understanding of Africa combined with his excellent storytelling make him a fascinating and entertaining companion. During the course of the morning you will gain a unique insight into Africa’s past and present as Russell brings to life the many people’s and cultures that have shaped the destiny of this extraordinary continent. ...show less

This is a half day African Heritage Private Tour that focuses on Africa’s Historical and Cultural legacy. You will be met by raconteur Russell Gammon, a specialist guide with 20 years of experience. Russell’s family has been living in Africa since 1870 and he is a specialist in the field of African Heritage as well as being a master...show more

Outdoor Dining

A lunch or dinner out in nature is one of the hallmarks of a luxury African experience. Your connection to the landscape is undisturbed and the food tastes even more special in this most wonderful of settings.

Railway Museum and Tour of Livingstone Town

The Fascinating History of African Exploration

Livingstone was an important town in southern Africa during the first days of European settlement and the beginnings of Colonial rule. It is well worth spending a couple of hours touring this historic town with a guide and learning about its past and the colorful people who created it.
For many years Livingstone was the Railway Capital of a vast region and much of its wealth came from the railways. The museum is dedicated to that past and covers its history from the days when the bridge crossed the gorge to the building of the great TamZam railway in the late 1970s. For train buffs there are a unique collection of ancient locomotives and coaches.
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Livingstone was an important town in southern Africa during the first days of European settlement and the beginnings of Colonial rule. It is well worth spending a couple of hours touring this historic town with a guide and learning about its past and the colorful people who created it.
For many years Livingstone was the Railway Capital of a...show more

Royal Livingstone Express Dinner Train

A Journey Through Time and Nature

The Royal Livingstone Express offers the classic “time travel” back into history utilizing beautiful classic steam locomotives and carriages lovingly restored by Bushtracks Africa and Rovos Rail. The Dinner Trip will incorporate a classic steam expedition with fine dining. You will make the adventure of 15 kilometres of newly refurbished Mulobezi railway line through the heart of the Zambezi River Valley in a most magnificent and romantic steam train. Guests will board the train through the Lounge Car where drinks and snacks will be offered. Wines, beer and soft drinks are included in the cost, while a cash bar is available for spirits. The train will depart and move directly onto the Mulobezi Line, travelling through a high density suburb of Livingstone called Dambwa and onto the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park whilst the sun begins to set. The train will stop briefly at the entrance to the Game Park to open the gate. Whilst going through the Park, there is the possibility of viewing some of the game being: Elephant, White Rhino, Buffalo as well as Giraffe, Zebra, Hartebeest, Bushbuck, Impala, Warthogs, Baboons and Monkeys. ...show less

The Royal Livingstone Express offers the classic “time travel” back into history utilizing beautiful classic steam locomotives and carriages lovingly restored by Bushtracks Africa and Rovos Rail. The Dinner Trip will incorporate a classic steam expedition with fine dining. You will make the adventure of 15 kilometres of newly refurbished...show more

Sundowner

Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi

A Relaxing Afternoon on the River

The African Queen meanders slowly upstream along the length of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park looking for game on the way. A number of animals and a host of bird species can be viewed from comfortable chairs on cool wooden decks. Food and drink is included in the price and served throughout the cruise by professional, friendly waiters making the whole experience probably the most luxurious cruise on the river. ...show less

The African Queen meanders slowly upstream along the length of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park looking for game on the way. A number of animals and a host of bird species can be viewed from comfortable chairs on cool wooden decks. Food and drink is included in the price and served throughout the cruise by professional, friendly waiters making...show more

Zambezi River Boat Safari

Thrills on the River

You will be picked up at the Day Activity Centre or at your hotel and transferred by road to the launch site to board the boat and set off.
This is a unique wildlife safari through the channels and rapids between the islands littering the wide part of the river just before the Falls. Elephant, hippo and wonderful birds are the main wildlife attractions and the views and sunsets are highlights. The 4 x 4 vehicles of the river, aluminium hulled, jet propelled boats have been carefully designed so they can cross the 'rough terrain' of the river giving them access to places where other normal boats cannot go. ...show less

You will be picked up at the Day Activity Centre or at your hotel and transferred by road to the launch site to board the boat and set off.
This is a unique wildlife safari through the channels and rapids between the islands littering the wide part of the river just before the Falls. Elephant, hippo and wonderful birds are the main...show more